LOCAL Labour figurehead Stephen McCabe will vote for Keir Starmer to replace Jeremy Corbyn as the next head of the UK Labour Party.

Inverclyde Council leader Mr McCabe says that of the four candidates battling it out in the leadership contest, Mr Starmer would be the most 'credible and effective' leader of the opposition.

The Inverclyde East councillor also tipped Mr Starmer to be a future prime minister.

Up against Mr Starmer in the contest are Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy and shadow secretary for foreign and commonwealth affairs Emily Thornbery.

Cllr McCabe said: “We have four good candidates for leader but, at this time, Keir Starmer comes across as the one who would make the most credible and effective leader of the opposition and potential future prime minister.

“During the recent general election, he was the name that kept coming up on the doorstep as someone people could vote for.”

Voting in the membership ballot will open next Friday and close at noon on April 2.

The result of the leadership contest will be announced on April 4.

Five candidates are fighting it out to become deputy leader of the party, following the resignation of Tom Watson back in November.

The contenders are Scotland’s only Labour MP Ian Murray, Angela Rayner, Dawn Butler, Richard Burgon and Rosena Allin-Khan.

In the election for Scottish deputy leader, Jackie Baillie and Matt Kerr are hoping to win the backing of voters.

Cllr McCabe says he will back Mr Murray for deputy alongside 'good friend' Ms Baillie for number two in Scotland.

He added: “We have a number of good candidates for deputy leader, but I would like to see a Scot in a position of influence at a senior level within the UK party.

"That is why Ian Murray will be getting my first preference vote.

“We have two good candidates for deputy leader of Scottish Labour, but for me Jackie wins on experience and on her track record of winning elections against the odds.

“She has also been a good friend to the local Labour Party, particularly during the last five years when we have been without a constituency Labour MP and MSP.”